Swansea City's Moreira 'I'm Loving it'

Swansea City's new Portuguese shot stopper Jose Moreira is loving life in Swansea.

After leaving Lisbon, where he spent his career between the posts for Benfica, you would be forgiven for thinking that Jose may struggle to adapt to his new surroundings, far from it.

"Since I`ve arrived I can see Swansea is a lovely city, I like the people — the Jack army — it`s new, but it`s good," said Moreira

"I will walk on the street and I will speak to the people.

"I hope the fans will love me because I try to be a nice guy.

"The other day I was in a restaurant with Swansea fans who were having a birthday party, all the ladies and the children came up to me — it was so funny.

"In Portugal, the Benfica fans liked me because I am not a star, outside the training ground I`m a normal person.

"I work hard, I train hard, but at home I`m an average guy.

"A few years ago I would have been scared because I`ve changed country, changed city and changed everything in my life.

"But I`ve been down Mumbles and it`s really nice. The people here speak with me on the street, they`ve wished me good luck and I appreciate that.

"It is my first time in Wales and I`m loving it."

After being linked to many goalkeepers following the departure of Dorus De Vries, Moreira is currently the only senior keeper on Swansea City's book. Nottingham Forest's Lee Camp is the latest name to be linked with the Swans after Rodgers has rubbished rumours a deal was close to being done with Grzegorz Sandomierski.

Youngster David Cornell may well be going out on loan this season and with Yves Ma-Kalambay yet to be offered a new contract, you can be certain another keeper is imminent. However, Moreira is relishing the challenge of becoming number one.

"I`m happy to help Swansea. I`m going to work every day and hopefully I`ll play, but I respect the choice of the coach," said the 29-year-old.

"One of the reasons I came here is that I know if I play I will get opportunities with the national team.

"I was a bit surprised when Swansea came in and everything went so fast, but I decided I wanted to go because it`s a change for me.

"I feel pressure, but if you know how to control the pressure it is a nice thing.

"I spent 12 years in Benfica, a big team, and now it`s time for a new challenge in my life.

"The first problem when you change countries is the language and if I can speak English I can walk on the street, order food, I can do everything."

"I like the culture of the club, I like the fans," he said.

"I know they go everywhere. At away games Swansea take 3,000, 4,000 or 5,000 and at home they fill the stadium.

"I love English football, to play on Boxing Day when everyone goes with their families is amazing."

Moreira also explains that he has the experience that will prove to be pivotal in the Premier League:

"I played in the Olympic Games in Athens in 2000. We came second although I was on the bench in the final," said Moreira.

"I have experienced important matches and competitions like the Champions League and national team games.

"I have played a lot of times for the under-21 side and once for the national side.

"All of those experiences can help me at Swansea.

"I started seeing Swansea when Paulo Sousa was here and now I know all about their style.

"I know Miguel Vitor who played for Leicester last year, and he told me Swansea play very good football.

"I`ve seen some videos of the way Swansea play, like the final at Wembley and they`re an amazing team.

Seeing Moreira being put through his paces at training is an encouraging sight for Swansea City fans. His commanding frame will provide a tough object to pass and he is full of confidence.

You can watch Jose Moreira and fellow new signings Danny Graham and Steven Caulker tomorrow at the Gnoll and the GenQuip as Swansea City play pre-season friendlies with Neath and Port talbot. Tickets for both will be £5 for Children and £10 for Adults. Gnoll kick-off 12pm and Port Talbot 3pm.

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